"Secret skimping is out, like false bosoms." - Marjorie Hillis, Orchids on Your Budget, 1937.

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Item 3 of 3

Item 3. I've decided to pick up photography as a hobby.

When I said I had no interests of which to speak, I wasn't kidding. It was never that I was too afraid to pursue my interests -- I just never had any. Personal finance, sure. I like numbers, but only in theory; I'm terrible at math. I love jewelry, but I think the amount/kind of interest I have in it is unhealthy, and it has more to do with consumption than with appreciation. I used to like drawing in middle school, but I don't feel compelled to do it anymore. I've mentioned painting before, but it never felt quite right.

Anyway, at some point during all the initial wedding planning (December, probably?), I was scouring the internet for a wedding photography. My mind must've been silently plotting without my knowledge, because all of the sudden, out of nowhere, on a random day in January, I said to myself, "I SHOULD DO THAT." And by "THAT", I don't necessarily mean wedding photography, but I would be remiss if I didn't follow this urge to see where it goes. Then I remembered how much I enjoyed my first little digital point-and-shoot, and I wonder why I hadn't thought of this before. I've never felt so compelled to do something before, so not following it isn't an option. I'm buying a camera this month.

11 comments:

me in millions said...

I like number too, in theory. I am also terrible at math! Photography is so much fun. You should see if there is a cheap class offered through your local school district or county or community college. You'll learn soo much about framing a shot, developing pictures, how to work a fancy SLR camera, etc.

ekingout said...

@me in millions - There are a lot of workshops offered at the local art/photography schools that I think I might check out at some point in the future.

Christopher said...

If you're abandoning your only source of income AND planning on purchasing an expensive toy (a DSLR), I would suggest that you seek all of your photography education online where free and thorough advice is abundant. You won't learn anything at a community college that you can't get free of charge from the comfort of your couch.

ekingout said...

@Christoper - I know, it's crazy talk, right? Thanks for the advice. I wouldn't plan on taking any courses unless I felt I wasn't getting what I needed online, and yeah, right now as a clueless novice, the internet holds basically all the answers to questions I could ever think to ask. I did, however, buy 2 of Scott Kelby's books (someone I know recommended them), but his writing style (at least in the beginning) is so distracting.

Investing Newbie said...

This may be crazy talk, but I think it is lovely that you are pursuing a budding passion. I've always wanted to take basic drawing classes, but have never gotten around to it.

Meg said...

I love photography. :) My hubby surprised me with my first dSLR for Christmas, and this year I jumped into a 365-day photo project! I'm still in auto mode for most of my shots, but one of these days I'll sit down with the DVD it came with and figure it all out.... (I have taken some decent manual pictures, so that's exciting. :))

Sounds like you're really making concrete changes this year -- kudos to you!!

Oh, here's an interesting thing for photography I've found that you might like: http://twitter.com/dailyshoot
They post something everyday for you to take a picture of, if you'd like something that may force you into practice. :) (I'd use it myself, but I had already picked a theme for my project.)

QL girl said...

Good for you! My only warning is to beware of expensive "add-ons". I have friends that have gone crazy buying lenses and cases and software....keep it simple for now, and good luck!

WellHeeledBlog said...

I want to get into photography as well... but I figured I should get better at taking pictures with a point & click before I go up to a DSLR. What kind are you thinking of buying?

ekingout said...

@Meg - thanks for the link, I'll have to check it out!

@QL - I've made a spreadsheet of all the expenses I anticipate within the first year, and it's not pretty, especially since I need a new computer. Eep.

@WellHeeled - I was thinking about the Canon Rebel XSi, but a couple of people have been telling me to go with a Nikon. I'm going to consult with a family member who has been doing it for a while, and hopefully he'll help to steer me in the right direction.

Christopher said...

@ QL,

Lenses are exactly the thing you SHOULD be spending your money on if you're serious about photography. The camera body will be obsolete in a few years, but the lenses will last a lifetime.

@ Sarah,

Seriously, you need to go with Nikon. You'll outgrow the Canon Rebel in a few months, and then you'll be stuck with a system that won't suit your needs. Nikon is easier to build a respectable equipment set.

This is the best deal on the market right now:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/635660-REG/Nikon_25462_D3000_SLR_Digital_Camera.html

ekingout said...

@Christopher - re: the Nikon D3000, I noticed that this model doesn't have an auto-focus motor (although the pricier models do), so I'd need to buy the lenses with AF built in. When it's time to upgrade the body to something with built-in AF, will I be able to keep using the lenses with the built-in AF?